Federica Brignone made history on Saturday by clinching her latest victory at the giant slalom during the Alpine Skiing World Cup held at Semmering, Austria. This commendable feat not only emphasizes her skills on the slopes but also marks her as the oldest winner of a women's World Cup ski race at the age of 34, extending her record with this 29th career win.
Brignone, who previously triumphed at the season-opener in Soelden, dominated the Semmering course, finishing with a time of 2'03''14. Leading after the first run, she maintained her pace and outperformed her nearest competitor, Sweden's Sara Hector, by 0.57 seconds, as New Zealand’s Alice Robinson secured third place.
Celebrated for her competitive spirit and determination, Brignone expressed her sentiments after the race, stating, "It's been a tough race but I felt really good today. I wanted to fight and I was not too stressed." This confidence is reflected not only in her performance but also as she ascended to the top of the overall standings following this event.
Despite Brignone's success, the competition proved fierce, particularly with Hector and Robinson pushing for podium finishes. Notably, defending World Cup champion Lara Gut-Behrami struggled, sliding from her initial ranks down to ninth after the second leg of the race. This disappointing result adds pressure on the Swiss skier, who is still seeking her first victory this season, compared to Brignone's impressive start.
Brignone's poignant victory at Semmering serves as both a personal milestone and a significant highlight of her skiing career. Winning at such a distinguished event as the World Cup highlights her tenacity and adaptability, showcasing the skill required to navigate fluctuated conditions and fierce competition.
This victory consolidates Brignone's standing not just as Italy's first overall women's World Cup victor from 2020, but as a formidable athlete carving her legacy within the alpine skiing community. Her continued success reaffirms her status and serves as motivation for upcoming skiers who aspire to reach similar heights.
With the World Cup season still underway, fans and sports enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to see how Brignone performs during upcoming events. Her prowess at Semmering adds excitement to the narrative of this competitive season, reaffirming Italy's strong tradition and presence within the sport.
Brignone's record-breaking win at the Semmering giant slalom not only enriches her career but contributes to the larger story of women's skiing, demonstrating the progress and opportunities present today. Skiing fans around the world can look forward to seeing what is next for this extraordinary athlete as she embraces the challenges and victories of the season.